Photo: David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace, HarperCollins Publishers
Mary J. Bligeis making her children’s book debut.
The book is an inspirational and motivating story about a young girl who proves that anyone can make their dreams come true if they just believe in themselves.
“I want kids to know that there are no limits to what they can accomplish,” Blige tells PEOPLE about the book. “My wish is for my nieces and nephews to feel they can achieve anything they imagine. Growing up, I was constantly told that my dreams were too big, too bold, and too far out of reach. I think we need to reinforce that nothing is impossible.”
“From start to finish, this book has been my own dream – starting from just the idea, to partnering with Ashleigh Corrin and Harper Collins who helped bringMary Can!to life, to seeing the final and finished book – I couldn’t be more excited to share this with the younger generation,” she added.
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Courtesy of Harper Collins Publishers
Bringing the tale of big dreams to life is Corrin, an Ezra Jack Keats Award-winning illustrator who called the project a “dream to illustrate.”
“I want children to feel that they can do anything they set their mind and heart to,” she continued. “The story ofMary Can!aligns perfectly with this hope of mine, and I’m just so proud and honored I was able to be a part of this project and serve her positive message in this way.”
Blige’s exciting new release comes after a jam-packed 2022 for the multi-hyphenate, who released her fourteenth studio album,Good Morning Gorgeous, in February — two days before she delivered a show-stopping performance of 2001 hits “Family Affair” and “No More Drama” atthe Super Bowl LVI Halftime ShowalongsideDr. Dre,Snoop Dogg,Eminem,Kendrick Lamar, and special guests50 CentandAnderson .Paak.
Mary J. Blige.Will Sterling
Blige is considered the Queen of Hip Hop Soul, a title given because she created the genre — blending hip hop and R&B — something she says she’s receiving credit for now.
She’s laid it all out there in her raw, vulnerable songs and feels that she has turned yet another corner. “Mary J. Blige is happy. Happy with herself and happy with her life.” And she’s got a new focus: “me.”
“I didn’t care about myself,” she said. “I didn’t love myself. You get what you’re giving yourself. So now that I’m giving to myself, I’m getting itall.”
Mary Can!is available nowin stores and online.
source: people.com
